Introduction: A Familiar Story
Motorola has just unveiled its 2026 Razr lineup, including the Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra. While these new clamshells may appear fresh, the upgrades are minimal – and in some respects, the changes are actually a step backward. If you’re looking for a great foldable phone at a bargain price, the 2025 Razr Ultra (also known as the Razr+ 2025) is nearly half off, offering virtually identical features for a fraction of the cost.
Minor Changes, Not Upgrades
The 2026 models bring only incremental improvements: a slightly brighter display, a marginally faster chipset, and a tweaked camera sensor. However, these do not translate into a meaningful real-world experience. In fact, some users report that the battery life on the new Ultra is worse than last year’s model due to software optimizations that haven’t been fully polished yet. For most people, the 2025 version remains just as fast, just as bright, and just as capable.
Battery and Performance: A Step Back?
Motorola’s decision to use a new processor might seem like an improvement on paper, but early reviews indicate thermal throttling issues under heavy use. Meanwhile, the 2025 Razr Ultra runs cooler and delivers consistent performance. The battery capacity is identical at 3800 mAh, but the newer software demands more power, leading to shorter screen-on time.
Price Comparison: A No-Brainer
Last year’s Razr Ultra is currently available for around $499 – nearly 50% off its original price. In contrast, the 2026 Razr+ starts at $799, and the Ultra at $999. That’s a difference of up to $500 for what amounts to a nearly identical phone. The 2025 model also supports all the same features: 5G, wireless charging, IP52 water resistance, and the iconic retro design with a large external display.
Where the 2025 Shines
- Same 6.9-inch foldable OLED with 165Hz refresh rate
- Identical 12MP main and ultrawide cameras (the new model only adds a mediocre telephoto)
- Expansive 3.6-inch cover display – unchanged from last year
- Full app support on the external screen
What You Lose (And Why It Doesn’t Matter)
The 2026 version adds a telephoto lens, but its image quality is poor in low light. The new Ultra also has a slightly larger hinge, which adds weight and bulk. The cover display gets a minor brightness boost, but indoors you won’t notice the difference. Internal anchor: as we covered earlier, the savings far outweigh these trivial upgrades.
The Verdict: Save Your Money
Unless you absolutely need the latest processor (which, again, runs hotter) or a telephoto camera that barely performs, stick with last year’s Razr Ultra. It’s a fantastic phone that remains competitive in 2026, especially at half the price. Motorola’s new lineup is a classic case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – but they tried to fix it and made it worse.
Final recommendation: Grab the 2025 Razr Ultra while it’s still in stock. You’ll get the same core experience for less than the base 2026 model. Your wallet will thank you.